Hay

Hay has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Hay's population was around 2,906 as of February 2026, reflecting an increase of 9 people from the 2021 Census figure of 2,897. This change is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 2,880 in June 2024 and 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 0.20 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections indicate an overall population decline by 281 persons by 2041. However, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to increase by 61 people over this period.

The level of residential development activity in Hay is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Hay has recorded approximately four residential properties granted approval per year. Between fiscal years 2021 and 2025, 23 homes were approved, with three more approved in the current fiscal year 2026. Despite a falling population over this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $365,000. This financial year has seen $19.1 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Hay has significantly less development activity, being 63.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although construction activity has intensified recently. This level is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

All new construction consists of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 477 people, reflecting Hay's quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in the future, which would benefit potential buyers.

Hay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include the Hay Structure Plan, John Houston Memorial Pool Upgrade (scheduled for completion in June 2023), Hay Health Services Redevelopment (commenced August 2022 and expected to finish by December 2024), and Bishops Lodge Affordable Housing Development (set to begin construction in February 2025). The following list details projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Hay has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Hay's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs with varied sector representation. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Hay's unemployment rate is higher by 0.4%, at 3.8%. Workforce participation in Hay stands at 70.2%, exceeding Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, a low 11.8% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and construction.

Hay shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 4.7 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs only 7.9% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the Census working population to local population count. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1%, while labour force grew by 1.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW, where employment contracted by 0.5% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project a national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.0% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows that income in Hay SA2 is lower than average on a national basis. The median income is $50,789 and the average income is $62,437. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $52,390 and the average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 30, 2023, current estimates for Hay SA2 would be approximately $55,289 (median) and $67,969 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Hay all fall between the 15th and 28th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.6% of residents (860 people), which is similar to regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest with 91.9% of income retained, but the total disposable income ranks at just the 24th percentile nationally.

Hay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hay was higher at 47.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.9% and rented dwellings at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $894, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Hay was $175, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Hay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $894 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Hay were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Hay features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.7% of all households, including 22.1% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 33.7% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Hay faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.0%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high at 28.6%, comprising primary education (11.8%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (1.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Hay has 17 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 8 different routes, collectively providing 74 weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to these stops, typically located 1749 meters away from the nearest one. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 86%, with 11% walking. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 10 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hay is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Hay's health data indicates significant challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high among both younger and older age groups.

Only approximately 50% (~1,464 people) of Hay's total population has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma (affecting 10.3% of residents) and arthritis (9.8%), while 61.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age individuals face substantial health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Hay has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 27.9% (811 people), compared to the state average of 23.4%. National rankings for certain conditions are even higher than those for the general population.

Hay is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Hay's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.7% of its population being citizens and 92.2% born in Australia. The majority, 95.4%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hay, comprising 69.7% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.9%), English (32.8%), and Irish (8.2%). Notable differences included Australian Aboriginal representation at 6.3%, Maori at 0.5%, and Scottish at 7.7%.

Hay hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Hay's median age is 48 years, which is significantly older than Rest of NSW's median age of 43 and the Australian median age of 38. The age profile shows that 16.9% of Hay's population falls within the 55-64 year-old group, while only 8.3% are in the 35-44 age bracket. This concentration of people aged 55-64 is notably higher than the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of Hay's population aged 65 to 74 has increased from 11.5% to 14.9%, and those aged 85 and above have risen from 3.1% to 4.2%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 11.6% to 9.8%, while the 55-64 age group has dropped slightly from 18.2% to 16.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Hay's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041, with the 75-84 age cohort projected to grow by 60 people (23%), from 256 to 317 individuals. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 88% of population growth in Hay, emphasizing demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 65-74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.